Roach Valley Raiders

Third Place of the CTC Volunteer Group of the Year for North West England, Roach Valley Raiders

Third Place of the CTC Volunteer Group of the Year for North West England, Roach Valley Raiders.

This time last year there wasn’t a club and now there is Heywood BMX and MTB club (AKA Roach Valley Raiders).

Two key volunteers came forward and wanted to do something in the local community. As parents of children growing up in the local area wanted to make a difference.

At the same time a youth participation workshop was taking place with many young people to look at developing activities in the local area, with a local charity was known as Heywood Young Spirit. Surprise surprise what did the young people want... Cycling... and so the partnership began and what they get... the Roach Valley Raiders!

The club volunteers worked tirelessly for months, developing their club structure including a strong committee, relevant governance and fundraising plan. The volunteers as took on training NSCT, MTB trail-leader, BMX coach, first aid, all this to make the infrastructure right. To keep the young people interested sessions were held, bikes purchased, funds were raised to around £30,000 to develop a track. The club opened to members in November 2009 and to date has over 60.